Lansing's historic Ford Hangar, located at the Lansing Municipal Airport, is set for major renovations aimed at transforming it into a unique event venue, the Chicago Tribune reports. Village officials plan to revamp the 97-year-old building which has been recognized for its historical significance and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Key upgrades include repairing the roof, adding climate control, and installing bathrooms, as cited by Ken Reynolds, director of venue operations.
While ensuring the hangar's historical integrity, renovation plans extend to structural safeguards and modern conveniences. Roof repairs will commence this spring, funded by a $500,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Ford Hangar's historical connection to automaker Henry Ford and the architectural innovation of Albert Kahn, as reported by The Lansing Journal, make it a landmark of aviation history and community pride.
The updates come as a response to increased interest in the hangar for events that do not necessarily have an aviation connection, an FAA requirement that was lifted a few years ago. Since then, the hangar has hosted various gatherings, including economic summits and weddings. Lansing celebrated its 125th anniversary at the hangar in 2018, illustrating its role as a community centerpiece. "The uniqueness is what people are drawn to, and obviously the history," Reynolds told the Chicago Tribune.
Village officials are also considering a permanent liquor license for the Ford Hangar, in a move to attract more events and simplify operations. Currently, the village crosses a license from the Fox Pointe amphitheater for each event, incurring a $150 fee payable to the state each time, Reynolds pointed out. Trustee Saad Abbasy supports the idea for the hangar to manage its own liquor sales and consumption. Reynolds emphasized the renovations are carefully planned to honor the hangar's designation as a historic landmark.
The Ford Hangar's deep roots trace back to Henry Ford's acquisition in 1925 and the subsequent construction that took place over a single year, as detailed in The Lansing Journal. The hangar was part of a larger vision by Ford to create an efficient transportation hub for his automobile business. Notably, the Ford Hangar is the only survivor among the three hangars originally commissioned by Ford in the early 1920s. It has also played host to aviation greats such as Charles Lindbergh and celebrities, further cementing its iconic status in the region. To sustain these improvements, officials are researching funding opportunities and will seek Village Board approval for necessary expenditures.
